SAFETY ON HOCKANUM RIVER HIKING TRAILS – 3-17-06

HOCKANUM RIVER LINEAR PARK COMMITTEE

SUBCOMMITTEE OF TOWN CONSERVATION COMMISSION

MANCHESTER, CT.

  1. Before exploring a Hockanum River Hiking Trail, pick up copies of the nine Trail Pamphlets/maps at the Customer Service & Information Center office at the Manchester Town Hall, 41 Center Street or at the Park & Recreation Office, Lodge Drive at Center Springs Pond.  Familiarize yourself with a map before going out on a hiking trail, including name and location of the trail.
  2. Always tell someone at home exactly which trail you plan to hike and when you expect to return home.
  3. Carry a cell phone with you, with well charged batteries, and let someone at home know your cell phone number.
  4. Take a friend with you when you hike if possible.  It is preferable not to hike alone.
  5. Plan your hike to be back off the trail well before dark. Select a trail that matches your hiking abilities, so it is not too long or too difficult.
  6. Hockanum River trails are for hiking, jogging, cross country skiing and snowshoeing. NO VEHICLES such as bicycles, dirt bikes, all-terrain vehicles or snowmobiles are permitted according to Town Ordinance.  The only exceptions are wheel chairs for handicapped on handicapped accessible trails as designated on maps.
  7. Hockanum River Hiking Trails are marked with single orange blazes at intervals and a pair of blazes at each turn with the top blaze indicating the direction of the turn.  IF there is no blaze ahead then you might be off the trail, so backtrack to the last blaze and follow blazes again.
  8. If you are ill or injured or are completely lost and cannot find the trail back to the trailhead, Then call 9-1-1 and explain exactly where you are located – which trail by name and location, which side of the river you are located on and how far away from the nearest street.  Please REMEMBER, orange blazes always lead out to Town streets.
  9. Please respect the river environment.  Do not litter.  Please stay on trails.  Please do not pick wildflowers, capture their beauty with your camera.  Bring a litter bag with you and carry out at least one can, bottle or cup with you and dispose in a trash container.
  10. If you are a fisherman, please remember that the Hockanum River in Manchester is designated by DEP for Catch and Release only.  A fishing permit is required.
  11. Hockanum River Hiking Trails, as with all Town Parks, close between dusk and dawn. Parking after those hours is NOT allowed.  Alcoholic beverages and camping are NOT permitted.
  12. Thank you for your support in protecting the Hockanum River Trails and making them safe.  For information please call 647-5235 or 647-3084 during normal business hours.